Method and apparatus for packing candy in boxes

ABSTRACT

This specification discloses a method of packing candy pieces contained in fluted conical cups into boxes and apparatus for carrying out the method. The method begins with trays of filled cups. The trays are moved rectilinearly and as they are so moved, the cups are compacted in a direction transverse to their movement. They are then delivered to an open top box and as they are so delivered the cups are compacted in the direction of their movement. The apparatus for carrying out this method consists essentially of a horizontal table which receives the trays, fixed guides at the sides of the table including converging portions, endless belt pushers spaced above the table, and a support for candy boxes.

United States Patent Inventor Albu't Ludwb Elie Jamaica Estates, N.Y.

Appl. No. 963

Filed Jan. 6. 1970 Patented Aug. 31, 1971 Assignee Multicup Automation Company, Inc.

Long Island, N.Y.

METHOD AND APPARATUS F OR PACKING [56] Relerences Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,442,250 5/1948 Spain 53/35 3,225.513 12/1965 Ehe 53/244)( Primary Examiner-Travis S. McGehee Attorney-Schellin and Hoffman ABSTRACT: This specification discloses a method of packing candy pieces contained in fluted conical cups into boxes and apparatus for carrying out the method. The method begins with trays of filled cups. The trays are moved rectilinearly and as they are so moved, the cups are compacted in a direction transverse to their movement. They are then delivered to an open top box and as they are so delivered the cups are compacted in the direction of their movement. The apparatus for carrying out this method consists essentially of a horizontal table which receives the trays, fixed guides at the sides of the table including converging portions, endless belt pushers spaced above the table, and a support for candy boxes IIIIIIIIIIIIJII;;;;i/II) 22 5 4 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKING CANDY IN BOXES The present invention relates to the packing of candy in boxes and is concerned primarily with the filling of a single layer box with a tray of fluted conical cups each containing a candy piece with the trays being compacted after the box is filled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the boxing of candies, and particularly those of the more expensive type such as chocolates, it is now just about the universal practice to place each piece in a conical fluted cup of wax paper of the type of glassine. Moreover, the trade demands that when a box is filled it be tightly packed. This means that the fluted cups are compressed. in view of the necessity for achieving this closely packed condition, the boxes are today being hand packed by operators.

The desirability of reducing, if not completely eliminating, the manual labor attending the packing of candy in boxes has long been recognized and some progress has been made to this end. Thus, rather than handling the cups as individual elements, there is now available a tray comprising a plurality of such cups joined together in a desired formation and size. Such a tray is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,125,275. A machine for filling the cups of such a tray is also known and available to the public. A machine for this purpose is disclosed in 1.1.5. Pat. No. 3,225,513.

However, considerable difficulty has been encountered in packing such a filled tray into a box in the compacted state deemed so necessary by the trade. Even when this operation is carried out by hand labor, inconvenience and annoyance is experienced due to the necessity of compacting a complete tray at one time.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION With the foregoing conditions in mind, the present invention has in view the following objects:

l. To provide a method of packing filled trays of fluted conical cups into a candy box as the cups are being compressed in two directions normal to one another.

2. To provide a method of the character noted in which filled trays are moved by forces applied to the upper surfaces of candy pieces in the tray.

3. To provide, in a method of the type aforesaid, the steps of moving a filled tray rectilinearly, and at the same time, applying compressive forces to the sides of the tray in a direction normal to the direction of movement.

4. To provide, in a method of the kind described, the step of delivering a filled tray that has been compacted transversely to a open top candy box and, at the same time, urging an end of the tray in this condition against an end wall of the box which functions as an abutment in cooperation with the forces that move the tray to compact the cups thereof in the direction of movement of the tray.

5 To provide apparatus for carrying out the above method.

6. To provide apparatus of the type noted which includes a table for receiving filled trays and means for pushing or moving filled trays rectilinearly over the table.

7. To provide, in apparatus of the type noted, guide means at the sides of the table for controlling the movement aforesaid and which guide means includes converging guide elements which compact the cups of a tray passing therebetween in a direction transverse of the direction of movement.

8. To provide, in apparatus of the character indicated, a box support at the end of the table for receiving an open top candy box to be filled; and

9. To provide, in apparatus of the kind described, an endless belt pusher, a portion of which is above a box on said support, and which pusher engages the tops of candy pieces as they are delivered to the box to force the tray against an end wall of the box under yielding pressure to compact the trays in the 7 direction of their movement.

Various other more detailed objects and advantages of the invention such as arise in connection with carrying out the above noted ideas in a practical embodiment will in part become apparent and in part be hereinafter stated as the description of the invention proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing objects are achieved by providing apparatus that consists essentially of: a horizontal table having an upper surface with a low coefficient of friction and which, for the purposes of this description may be considered as divided into two sections, one of which is inclined; guides at the sides of the table for controlling the movement of filled trays therealong and including converging portions substantially at the joinder of the table sections; a box support at the free end of the inclined table section; and pusher means in the form of an endless belt positioned above the horizontal table section and a second endless belt located above the inclined table section and the box support, together with power means for driving the belts.

For a full and more complete understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following description and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the apparatus of this invention with the endless belts omitted and depicting a filled tray on the horizontal table section and another tray as it has been packed into a box; and

FIG. 2 is a vertical section, somewhat schematic, through the apparatus with the endless belts included, being taken about on the plane represented by the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

Referring now to the drawing, a table is shown as comprising two sections 10 and II. The section 10 is horizontal while the secton I1 is inclined. The two sections are preferably integrally joined and may be of any material which presents a top surface of a low coefficient of friction so that trays may easily slide therealong. Stainless steel is indicated as one material having the required properties.

A guide 12 is located at one side of the table in a position slightly spaced above the tabletop as shown in H6. 2. A similar guide is shown at 13 on the other side of the table. The latter has a top surface 14 of the low coefficient of friction above mentioned.

Where the table sections 10 and ll join, guide 12 is formed with an inwardly inclined portion 15 and guide 13 with an inwardly inclined portion 16. These inclined sidewall surfaces 15 and 16 converge towards the table section 1 l. Blending in with inclined surface 15 is a straight guide face 17 located above table section 11 and surface 18 blends in with inclined force l6 over table section 1!. Like the inner faces of guides 12 and 13 above table section 10, surfaces 17 and 18 are parallel.

Table section II terminates in a free end which is formed as a curved lip or flap 19 for a purpose to be later described.

A box support is represented at 20. When the apparatus is in operation, box B is received thereon. Box 8 includes an end wall 2] over which the lip 19 is fitted, a bottom 22 resting on support 20, and an end wall 23 remote from end wall 21.

A roller 24 is mounted on a horizontal axis above table section 10 at the free end thereof. Another roller 25 is similarly mounted above table section 10 substantially at its joinder to table section II. In endless belt 26 is mounted on rollers 24 and 2S and is of a thick soft material such as a foam rubber. It presents a lower ply 27 that is spaced above table surface 14 a distance substantially equal to the thickness of candy pieces as will be later described.

Another roller 28 is mounted on a horizontal axis above table section 11 where it joins table section 10. A guide roller 29 is mounted on a horizontal axis above box support 20 and approximately on the same horizontal plane as the ends of guides 12 and 13. Another roller 30 is mounted on a horizontal axis above box support 20 at the end remote from the table. An endless belt 31 passes over rollers 28, 29 and 30 and 5 presents a bottom ply 32, a portion of which is disposed above table section 11 in parallel relation thereto in the same manner as ply 27 is positioned over table section 10, another portion over box support 20, with an inclined or deformed portion between the two.

It is important to note that FIG. 2 is largely schematic. Thus, the structure which supports the table, rollers, guides, and box support is omitted. This course is followed because such structure is not a part of the invention and any structure which will perform these ofi'tces will be satisfactory. Also, while endless belts 26 and 31 are power driven, the power source and the manner in which it is connected to a roller for each belt is not shown. The concept of driving an endless belt on rollers from a power source is old and well known.

Both the endless belts 26 and 31 preferably engage the top edge surfaces of guides 12 and 13 over which they ride.

OPERATION In operation, the leading tray of a line of filled trays is delivered to table section in any preferred manner as by a suitable conveyor. Such a tray is indicated at 33. The belts 26 and 31 are continuously driven. Ply 27 is adjusted so that the lower face thereof engages the top surfaces of candy pieces in the tray under yielding pressure, which, while light is sufficient to move the tray along table surface 14.

This movement delivers the tray to flte compacting action of converging guide surfaces 15 and 16. As the tray moves past these converging guides, it is compressed in a direction normal to its path of movement, and the compacted tray moves on to table section 11.

An operator places a box B on support with end wall 21 beneath lip 19. Ply 32 of belt 31 moves the tray T down table section 11, over lip 19 and into Box B. That portion of ply 32 between guide roller 29 and roller 30 now moves the tray along the box bottom 22 until the end of the tray abuts end wall 23 of the box. Belt 31 continues to operate and the engagement of the lower surface of ply 32 with the top surfaces of the candy pieces continues to exert a yielding pressure on the pieces and cups to compact the latter in the direction of movement.

The box B and tray 33 are dimensioned so that when a tray is compacted to a predetermined degree, the end at wall 21 falls into Box B. The box is then removed by the operator and a fresh box positioned on the support 20 to receive the next tray.

While a preferred specific embodiment of the invention is hereinbefore set forth, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact constructions, mechanisms and steps illustrated and described because various modifications of these details may be provided in putting the invention into practice.

What is claimed is:

1. In the packing of boxes with candy pieces contained in individual fluted conical cups and the cups united into a tray, the method comprising the steps of:

a. positioning a filled tray to be packed on a horizontal table;

b. moving said tray in a rectilinear path under the influence of a force applied under yielding pressure to the top surfaces of candy pieces in the tray;

c. compressing the cups in a direction normal to the direction of movement of the tray by applying pressure to the sides of the tray;

d. supporting an open top box in position at the end of the table; and

e. moving the transverse compacted tray into the box under the influence of forces applied under yielding pressure to the top surfaces of candy pieces therein until an end of the tray abuts an end wall of the box and then continuing the application of the forces to compact the cups in the direction of their movement.

2. The method of claim 1 in which the transversely compacted tray is moved downwardly over an inclined table section as it is delivered to the box.

3. The method of claim 1 together with the step of controlling any tendency of the tray to move laterally as it travels over its rectilinear path of movement by confining it between guides at the sides of the table.

4. The method of claim 3 in which converging portions of the guides apply the transverse pressure.

5. The method of claim 1 in which the moving force under yielding pressure is applied by the lower ply of a power driven endless belt positioned over the table.

6. The method of claim 1 in which the forces under yielding pressure are applied at two stages and in successive steps.

7. ln apparatus for packing a tray of joined fluted conical cups each of which contains a candy piece into an open top box having spaced end walls and a bottom,

a. a table including two sections integrally joined and of a material presenting an upper surface of a low coefficient of friction; guides at opposite sides of said table including converging surfaces substantially at the joinder of said sections;

c. a power driven endless belt of a thick soft yielding material above one of said table sections and presenting a bottom ply in spaced parallel relation to said section;

. a box support at the end of the other table section receiving said box with one of the end walls of the latter at the end of the other table section; and

e. another power driven endless belt of a material having the same properties as those of the first mentioned belt and presenting a lower ply extending over the other of said table sections and a box sn said support, said ply being spaced above said table section and filled box a distance whereby the undersurface thereof engages the top surfaces of the candy pieces in the tray.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which one table section is horizontal and the other table section is inclined.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 in which the inclined table section has a lip that fits on the upper edge of one end wall of a box on the support.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the endless belts are mounted on rollers having horizontal axes extending transversely of the table.

ll. The apparatus of claim 10 together with a guide roller above the support and spaced from the table end with the lower ply of the last mentioned belt passing beneath said guide roller.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 in which the endless belts extend over the guides which they engage. 

1. In the packing of boxes with candy pieces contained in individual fluted conical cups and the cups United into a tray, the method comprising the steps of: a. positioning a filled tray to be packed on a horizontal table; b. moving said tray in a rectilinear path under the influence of a force applied under yielding pressure to the top surfaces of candy pieces in the tray; c. compressing the cups in a direction normal to the direction of movement of the tray by applying pressure to the sides of the tray; d. supporting an open top box in position at the end of the table; and e. moving the transverse compacted tray into the box under the influence of forces applied under yielding pressure to the top surfaces of candy pieces therein until an end of the tray abuts an end wall of the box and then continuing the application of the forces to compact the cups in the direction of their movement.
 2. The method of claim 1 in which the transversely compacted tray is moved downwardly over an inclined table section as it is delivered to the box.
 3. The method of claim 1 together with the step of controlling any tendency of the tray to move laterally as it travels over its rectilinear path of movement by confining it between guides at the sides of the table.
 4. The method of claim 3 in which converging portions of the guides apply the transverse pressure.
 5. The method of claim 1 in which the moving force under yielding pressure is applied by the lower ply of a power driven endless belt positioned over the table.
 6. The method of claim 1 in which the forces under yielding pressure are applied at two stages and in successive steps.
 7. In apparatus for packing a tray of joined fluted conical cups each of which contains a candy piece into an open top box having spaced end walls and a bottom, a. a table including two sections integrally joined and of a material presenting an upper surface of a low coefficient of friction; b. guides at opposite sides of said table including converging surfaces substantially at the joinder of said sections; c. a power driven endless belt of a thick soft yielding material above one of said table sections and presenting a bottom ply in spaced parallel relation to said section; d. a box support at the end of the other table section receiving said box with one of the end walls of the latter at the end of the other table section; and e. another power driven endless belt of a material having the same properties as those of the first mentioned belt and presenting a lower ply extending over the other of said table sections and a box sn said support, said ply being spaced above said table section and filled box a distance whereby the undersurface thereof engages the top surfaces of the candy pieces in the tray.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which one table section is horizontal and the other table section is inclined.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 in which the inclined table section has a lip that fits on the upper edge of one end wall of a box on the support.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the endless belts are mounted on rollers having horizontal axes extending transversely of the table.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 together with a guide roller above the support and spaced from the table end with the lower ply of the last mentioned belt passing beneath said guide roller.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 in which the endless belts extend over the guides which they engage. 